Charlie stepped up next to me and took my hand. “I’m proud of you, too.”
I smiled down at her but wished I felt proud of myself. I had, until I realized I’d been a horrible brother. I pushed down the guilt as something to work on and focused on the things I could do now. Like telling Charlie how I felt.
23
Charlie
I was following Aiden and Isla out of the room when the Queen spoke up. “Charlie, do you have a moment to talk?”
I turned to face her, suddenly nervous. “Of course.”
She looked at the king and Ronan and they quickly stood and walked out, leaving us alone.
“Take a seat.” She gestured to the chair across from the one she occupied. It wasn’t necessarily an order, but I hurried over and sat obediently. Part of me was grateful for directions since my brain had stopped functioning the moment the doors shut.
“I’m sorry to pull you away from Aiden just as he got home, but there are just some things I needed to find out for myself.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
My voice came out as a squeak.
“I received notice that your parents were able to return home.”
I nodded again like a robot. “They let me know.”
“We’ll continue to keep tabs on them in case things change.”
“Thank you.”
“Knowing that, I wanted to let you know you’re free to go home.”
I sucked in a breath, almost choking. Was she saying I could go home if I wanted or that it was time for me to leave? I wasn’t used to treading along with polite conversations. I needed someone to tell me directly what they wanted.
“Okay.”
She was going to think I was the dumbest person on the planet if the conversation continued like this.
“Or you could continue your trip if you’d like. The choice is yours.”
The choice. Like those are my two options? I could either leave to go home or leave to travel. Wasn’t there a door number three?
I wasn’t sure what the protocol was when addressing the queen. Could I say what I really wanted? Or was I stuck? I’d followed the rule of only speaking when spoken to, but where was the rule deciding what I could say when permitted to speak?
I decided to clarify. “So, I have the choice to go home, or continue to travel?”
She nodded. “Really, it’s up to you.”
Well, that really cleared nothing up. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. What about what Aiden said? He asked me to stay. He wanted me here and I wanted to be here. She said it was up to me and that was my decision.
“What if I wanted to stay?” I’d barely been able to get the words out. I’d said it so quietly I doubted she even heard.
She didn’t reply and I died a little bit when I realized I’d have to repeat myself. It had been uncomfortable to say it once, but twice? I didn’t know if I could.
“You’d like to stay?”
Wait. She heard? I wanted to jump up and cheer. Instead, I nodded.
“Why?” she asked.
That was probably the last thing I expected her to say. Number one through a billion were different versions of no.
“Why?” I echoed.
She nodded.
“Because of Aiden.”
She didn’t say anything else and I took that as my invitation to continue.
“Because I have real feelings for him.” I wanted the floor to swallow me whole. I couldn’t believe I was having this conversation with his mother. The Queen. No big deal. “He told me he wants me to stay.”
Her only response was to tilt her chin up. Okay, that was nothing to work with.
I was getting frustrated. Not with her questions. They were simple. I just couldn’t articulate my thoughts and feelings.
I blew out a breath and decided to just dump it all out. “I didn’t plan to meet anyone when I arrived in Ireland. It was supposed to be a celebratory trip. It was supposed to help me find myself. I graduated and realized I had no plans for my future. I’d only gotten as far as that. I came out here to find a purpose. When I saw Aiden for the first time, I had no idea who he was. It wasn’t until I met you and the King that I realized who I even knew who he really was.”
A single eyebrow rose, stopping me. I felt like an idiot for saying all of that. That wasn’t the story we’d planned.
“Keep going, dear.”
Oh boy. Hopefully Aiden would forgive me for ruining everything because my stupid mouth couldn’t control the word vomit.
“I spent time with him in Ireland and was dreading the moment we would have to say goodbye. Instead, he asked me to come here with him to be his date at the wedding. I was in over my head when we got here. I had no idea what I was stepping into. I went shopping with Isla not knowing she was a princess. I was too stunned to ask questions. Until that dinner.”
She smiled and nodded.
“But that didn’t change the feelings that were growing. I liked Aiden for who he was, not his title or who his family is.” I swallowed. “We had time to get to know each other more. I started to fall for him. I...I know we just met, but there’s something between us I’ve never felt before. I know, it’s crazy. I know you probably think I’m not here with honest intentions, but I promise. I’m here because I want to continue to get to know Aiden and see what these feelings mean.”
She looked into my eyes and I felt like she was staring directly into my soul.
“I know you’re here for the right reasons, Charlie. I can see it each time you look at each other.”
I smiled then paused. Then why all the questions? I watch as her smile grew and noticed the twinkle in her eyes. She played me. She played me hard.
I started laughing. She chuckled lightly until I composed myself. “That was a test, wasn’t it?”
She turned serious. “A test? No, that would be rude. I was just making conversation.”
I shook my head and embraced the sudden wave of relief. “That was cruel.”
“I wanted to make sure you knew how you felt.”
“Well, now I know and you know. All that’s missing is Aiden.”
She nodded, looking pleased with herself. “I’ve adored getting to know you, Charlie, so has Leo. We want both of you to be happy.”
There was something deeper in her words. “Are you giving me your approval?”
Her smile grew. “Yes, dear. I am.”
I closed my eyes as my throat tightened. I had no idea how much that would mean to me. Not as the queen and king, but as Aiden’s mother and father. I blinked away tears and smiled. “Thank you.”
She stood and moved next to me, wrapping her arms around me. “Don’t rush. We want you guys to take your time. Enjoy getting to know one another and exploring those feelings.”
I hugged her back and nodded. “So, you’re not asking me to leave?”
She laughed lightly. “No, not at all.”
Well, this conversation had turned into an emotional rollercoaster I hadn’t prepared for. She left me with a smile while I sat and tried to comprehend what had just happened. I felt like I’d told her how I felt before Aiden. Not directly, but she had a better idea of where I stood than he did.
I smiled and ventured out to find him.
I didn’t have to look hard since he was waiting in the main foyer. He jumped up the moment he saw me and rushed over. “What was that about?”
I stood on my toes and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Just some girl talk.”
He narrowed his blue eyes. “Really?”
I shrugged. I knew it was killing him not knowing, but I was enjoying it. “A little of this and a little of that.”
I giggled at his sigh.
“Fine,” I said. “You want to know what really happened?”
“Yes, very much.”
“She told me my parents are back home and the media isn’t as much of a worry so I’m free to go home or continue my trip.”
His eyes darkened. “What did y
ou say?”
“I asked her if I could stay. I was terrified to. I thought my only option was leaving.”
“What did she say?”
“She asked me why I wanted to stay.”
He laughed. “And?”
“And I told her about how we met.”
His eyebrows rose.
“Yeah, I told her the truth. I told her I had no idea who you were when we met. I told her that I hadn’t expected to meet anyone, but you came barreling into my life and plans changed.”
“What else?”
“I told her I had real feelings for you. She knew that the whole time and was just testing me.” I laughed. “But at the end, she told me that you and I have your parents’ approval.”
“Really?” He sounded as surprised as I’d been.
I nodded. “They want us to take our time getting to know each other and seeing what there is between us, but they’re rooting for us I guess.”
He let out a long breath and smiled. “That’s wonderful.”
“I think so too, but I have one concern.”
“What’s that?” He sounded worried.
“How will we be able to do that if you’re going to be busy stepping into your duties? From all Cian does, that seems like a lot to balance.”
He seemed to think about it for a moment. “Let me worry about that, okay?”
I had to trust him so I nodded. “Okay.”
24
Aiden
I’d checked my parents’ schedules and found a time the next day to talk to them. I’d been up most of the night thinking about how to make this work, and the idea finally hit me. It’d require a bit more sacrifice of them and Cian, but hopefully the end result would be worth it.
I considered wearing my full ceremonial uniform, but decided that would be overkill. I wanted them to know I was serious and committed to what I’d promised yesterday. At five minutes before nine, I headed to the portrait gallery where my parents took their meals. They should be done by now but not quite heading to their next meeting.
I let myself in, surprising their guards who did not look like they appreciated my unannounced arrival. I smiled at them before heading toward my parents.
“Hello, Aiden,” Dad greeted me, looking a little amused. He must have seen his guards nearly jump at my arrival.
“Good morning.” I smiled at him and kissed my mother’s cheek. She looked up with a bright smile.
“To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure?” She asked. “Is this going to be a regular thing now that you don’t have to go into the office?”
I shook my head and sat across from her. “I wanted to talk to you two before your days got too busy.”
Mum leaned forward and placed her hand on mine. “We’re never too busy to speak with you.”
Dad made a scoffing sound then covered it up with a cough when Mum shot him a glare.
“I appreciate that, Mum. I know that I said I was ready to start my responsibilities, but I need some more time.”
They shared a look before Dad spoke. “What for?”
This was the part I’d been practicing all night. “As I’m sure Mum caught you up on her conversation last night with Charlie, you know that we met while she was traveling. I asked her to delay her plans to come here as my date. So, you can see where I’d be conflicted.”
I said it as a statement hoping they would agree and let me continue. I should have known it wouldn’t be that easy.
“You are correct that your mother shared the details of the conversation. But I don’t see the conflict.”
“Well, I asked her to delay her trip, and now I’ve asked her to stay and allow us to continue to get to know each other.”
Mum looked pleased with that part.
“I have this guilt over keeping her from realizing her dream of seeing Europe.”
“So, you want her to go?” Mum’s smile was slipping away.
“I do, but I want to go with her.”
Dad actually looked surprised. “You want to travel through Europe with her?”
I nodded.
“Do you understand what a logistical nightmare that would be? We’d have to send guards, make arrangements for all of you, then worry about offending any countries that you skipped.”
I hadn’t thought of that. “Why would they care?”
Mum actually looked amused. “Aiden, this would be seen as your first big tour. Even though it’s a trip for her to see the sights, that’s not how it would be interpreted by the governments. You would be acting on behalf of Lochland. If you went to see the Parthenon and Arc de Triomphe and Amalienborg but didn’t stop to see the Colosseum or Alhambra we’d hear about it. Our diplomats would be questioned. Countries would think you’d excluded them on purpose.”
I wanted to slam my head against the table. Of course, nothing could be simple. I couldn’t just go on a trip with my girlfriend because I could end up offending half of the continent.
“It sounds like it might be a long trip,” Dad said.
I raised my eyes to see him watching me.
“A tour of western Europe would include at least fifteen countries. A minimum of two days at each, at least a month. You wouldn’t have to meet with representatives or the royal families in each country, but at least make an appearance.”
“Oh you know they will want to meet with them anywhere they go,” Mum interjected.
I groaned. This was spiraling out of control. “You’re right. We won’t go.”
Mum looked at me like I was being a defiant child. “Don’t give up so quickly. I’m sure we can come up with something that pleases everyone.”
It didn’t feel like it. I wanted Charlie to get to see the world. I didn’t want her to have to sit at state dinners and be bored out of her mind shaking hands with people neither of us would remember.
“Nine scheduled appearances.” He had slipped into King mode.
“Nine?”
“A full month of traveling. You get to go see and do what you want, but we plan nine appearances. We’ll notify the diplomats that you and Charlie are traveling, but it is not an official tour. We allow the countries that would like to meet with you to scheduled time, but only nine.”
“Only one day each?” I couldn’t believe I was negotiating like this, but this was life as a prince.
“Yes.”
I nodded, thinking it through. Thirty days with only nine events? That wouldn’t be horrible.
“Okay,” I said.
He nodded and Mum looked pleased. “I’ll have my office make the arrangements.” He announced.
“Thank you.”
I stood and left the room before he could change his mind. Our conversation hadn’t gone quite as I’d expected, but it was better than nothing. Charlie and I could still go and only a third of the time would be boring. I chuckled to myself knowing Cian would punch me for thinking like that.
I hurried up the stairs hoping to catch Charlie while she was free.
I knocked on her door and pushed it open when I heard her call for me to come in.
She spun on her stool at the vanity, smiling at me. “Good morning.”
“It is a very good morning.”
She stood as I approached and I greeted her properly with a kiss.
She giggled when I pulled back. “What’s going on? You seem excited.”
“That’s because I am.”
I sat on the end of her bed and patted the spot next to me. She narrowed her eyes, shooting me a skeptical smile before joining me.
“I just finished negotiations with my parents.”
She looked confused. “Negotiations? Like over your responsibilities?”
“Not exactly. I actually talked to them about delaying things a bit.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
“I stayed up all night thinking about all you’re giving up for me and I wanted to do something for you.”
Her eyebrows pulled together. “What more could I want than bei
ng here with you?”
I wanted to thank her for the perfect lead in to the big news.
“I asked for time to continue your trip with you.”
She looked surprised which made me even more excited. “So? Are we going?”
“Yes, but there are some conditions.”
“What?”
“My dad agreed to thirty days, but we have to make nine appearances.”
“A month?”
I nodded.
“Traveling around Europe?”
“Well, the western portion. Just to start with,” I added, hoping she wouldn’t be disappointed.
“That’s insane!”
“But you did hear the nine appearances, right?”
She nodded. “That’s fine. I figured you’d have to as prince.”
“Not just me.”
She sat back. “Me too?”
“Yeah.”
“But why?”
I wanted to laugh at how innocent she was. “Because we’re a couple.”
She looked overwhelmed. “But we’re not married.”
“Yet.”
Her eyes widened.
“Don’t worry. I’m not proposing.”
She let out a sigh.
“Yet.”
Her eyes widened and she swatted my arm gently. “Stop doing that.”
I smirked. “Well, it’s true. We have this time to get to know each other and there’s no rush, but I have every intention of making this official.”
“Really?” Her voice was barely a whisper.
The look in her eyes reminded me of what George had told me in the car. I couldn’t leave a doubt in her mind. I had to make sure she knew exactly how I felt.
I adjusted how I was sitting so I was facing her then took her hands in mine. “Charlie. I know things have been fast and we’ve gone out of order and it’s been a crazy week, but that doesn’t change the fact that I have fallen for you.”
Her mouth dropped open and I smiled.
“I love you, Charlie Avery.”
It seemed to take a moment for her to process my words. When she did, she had a tear in her eye.
“I love you, too.”
I reached forward, sliding one hand around her neck and the other one over her cheek, catching the tear. I leaned forward, pressing my lips against hers.
His Royal Request: Royals of Lochland Book I Page 18
